GMC Sierra Owner Accidentally Poured Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the Diesel Tank
The owner of a 2023 GMC Sierra with a Duramax 3.0-liter Turbo Diesel engine accidentally poured Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the diesel tank at a gas station. Fortunately, he did not start the engine, which allowed him to avoid catastrophic consequences. However, the repair still cost a significant amount.
DEF is a special additive for modern diesel engines that reduces nitrogen emissions. It is usually poured into a separate tank, but some gas stations have separate pumps for DEF, which was the cause of the confusion.
How Were Major Costs Avoided?
“I was distracted, talking on the phone and didn’t pay attention — and yes, you guessed it: I started pouring DEF into the fuel tank,” the owner recounted.
After the mistake, he immediately called a tow truck, but a new problem arose: without power, the car could not be put into neutral. Then the tow truck driver found a way — he manually shifted the transmission using a special valve.
The dealership service offered to replace the entire fuel system for $15,000, but an independent repair shop decided to try a partial repair. After replacing some components and flushing the system, the car was running again, and the cost was only $2000.
This case is a reminder that new technologies, such as electronic parking brakes or more complex fuel systems, sometimes create additional difficulties. In older diesel cars, such problems simply did not exist, but modern environmental requirements force manufacturers to complicate designs.